Working During Chemo/Radiation

[escapebigd]

Any floor nurses out there that went right back to work after a cancer diagnosis?

This is long and kind of raw for me, but here goes. I am 27 and was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer and need a hysterectomy and chemo/radiation. I currently work 4 12's in float pool a week because my husband has to stop working soon to take care of our 2 year old who needs hip surgery. We have 3 kids ages 4 months to 9 years, and I am currently in school for my FNP and really don't want to have to stop either. I know I have to stop breastfeeding, but I am trying to find a way to keep everything else intact. I have never had a major illness and have no idea how this will feel or what to expect. I'm just wondering if anyone has juggled this and has any tips or advise on how to survive this.

[pookyp, LPN]

I haven't and I'm sorry for the bad news. Funny I can across this thread because I'm a hospice nurse. This morning my relief came and she said 'My hair was falling out this morning' I asked why and she said because she started chemo this week. I was baffled. We also do 12 hour shifts. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was wondering how she could even come to work. She said others asked her the same thing. She seems to be managing well. She said she is to give every 3 weeks and that she feels ok to work. And she is an older woman. I would say early to mid 60's. She told me she was depressed at first, but once she brought her spirits up, she felt good. And her tumor is shrinking! Good luck to you!

[sailornurse]

I worked thru my chemo as hospice NP, I would work on Sundays, take Monday for chemo, say in chemo chair with my laptop and worked if I had the energy. I am worried about you working 4-12's, also since you are float pool, you may need to stay away from very sick people if you are immune comprimised. For me, that meant wearing a mask to visit patients in home, LTC/ALF, thankfully it was during flu season, so easy to explain away. I used tons of hand sanitizer, made sure to get plenty of rest, eat well. My chemo was an immune modulator type, (no hair falling out) for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. 6 months of once a week chemo. As for continuing on for your FNP, I seriously urge you to post pone until chemo is done. Looking at having a 4 month old, a 2 y/o needing hip surgery and a 9 y/o.

What help is coming from family/friends? Is there a church group that can help with housecleaning/cooking/childcare? Do not be afraid to ask for help. My thoughts are with you.

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

I worked with a nurse who was getting chemo and still worked 12 hour night shifts. I didn't know she was even getting chemo until she started to wear hats to work, and then I figured it out. Several nurses shaved their heads in solidarity and helped to raise money for charity. The nurse was doing well and was in remission when I left that job.